New LGBTQ study in Japan shifting focus from labels to stories

Research firm QO Inc. has released a comprehensive report detailing the lives and challenges of 12 distinct sexual identities in Japan, aiming to foster deeper societal understanding beyond the general “LGBTQ+” label. The report, titled “Each life, each sexuality,” was published last week by the company’s Social Issue Lab (SIL).

Japan continues to navigate the complexities of sexual diversity, especially a year after the enactment of the “LGBT Understanding Promotion Law.” The law, however, contains no specific anti-discrimination provisions, and advocates argue that significant challenges remain for sexual minorities.

This new research seeks to address these gaps by providing detailed, data-driven analysis. Based on a nationwide survey of 6,292 people conducted in May 2025, the report breaks down the experiences of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, transgender, and non-binary, among other categories. It explores topics such as self-perception, the journey to self-acceptance, coming-out experiences, and difficulties faced in daily life.

The initiative’s goal is to move the public conversation from broad generalisations to a more nuanced appreciation of individual experiences.

The director of QO’s Social Issue Lab, commented: “The term ‘LGBTQ+’ can be used as a catch-all. However, the realities and challenges faced are diverse, and even within the same sexuality, values and environments differ completely. That is why the voices and existence of smaller minorities are often overlooked.

“In creating this survey and social letter, we focused on visualising the small, overlapping voices of minorities, while also valuing the perspective that before being ‘LGBTQ+,’ we are all unique individuals. We hope this report not only helps the so-called majority in society to understand diverse sexualities but also serves as an opportunity for community members to encounter their own voices and feel that they are not alone.”

This publication is the first of a two-part series, with the second instalment scheduled for release soon.